By Josh Beavers

The Webster Parish School System is partnering with The LSU Health and Science Center to offer free Covid vaccines to children ages 12 and up during the annual Back to School Bash on August 9.

LSUHC will be providing free Pfizer vaccines for students (ages 12 and up) from 9 am to 2 pm at the NWHS Library in Springhill and at the front entrance of the J. E. Harper Pathways to Excellence Center in Minden (Germantown Road).

A parent must be present in order for the child to receive the vaccine.

Check next week’s updates of The Journal for information about the Back to School Bash.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Webster Parish Sheriff’s investigators are working to identify the body of a white male found in the northern part of Webster Parish Wednesday morning.

“The DNA was just returned today from Little Rock,” Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said. “Our office had it expedited to the Crime Lab today at 2:00.”

Parker said the lab has promised to do everything possible for a quick turn around.

“Our investigators continue to conduct interviews and search warrants in an attempt to complete the case,” Parker said. “We are trying our best to identify the body.”

Parker said the exact location where the body was discovered is not being released until the investigation is complete.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A three-year-old child died last night of a gunshot wound during a drive-by shooting.

A Minden Police detective said at least 25 shell casings from a semi-automatic weapon were recovered at the residence in the 700 block of Plum St. The child was struck once and was pronounced dead at Minden Medical Center.

The detective said no arrests have been made, but they are looking for a person of interest. He said the scene has been processed, but the investigation is ongoing.

Please read the submission below by Minden Police Association.

According to the Minden Police Association, a small child has died as the result of a drive by shooting.

The sound of gunfire in Minden is becoming so common that people are not reporting it. This all changed tonight when a drive by shooting claimed the life of an innocent, small child. The shooter(s) fired multiple rounds at the residence. One round struck the small child. The parent of the child rushed him to Minden Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Further details are not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

If anyone has information regarding this tragic crime please call the Minden Police Department at (318) 371-4226.

It is time for the community to step up and take action. Short staffed MPD Officers patrol high crime areas, but are only as successful as their staffing limitations allow. They need the public to speak out and report these dangerous criminals. They need qualified individuals to fill their ranks.

As others try and minimize the gunfire in this once peaceful community, MPD Officers go from violent call to violent call. They know the seriousness of the pain and suffering these dangerous criminals inflict.

The short staffed Minden Police Department came when called. Every detective employed by the police department went to the multiple crime scenes to ensure the victim received the investigation that he deserved.

Prayers and deepest condolences to the family of the victim.

Again, if you would like to make an anonymous tip, please call the Minden Police Department at (318) 371-4226.

(Photo by Bonnie Culverhouse)

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According to the Minden Police Association, a small child has died as the result of a drive by shooting.

The sound of gunfire in Minden is becoming so common that people are not reporting it. This all changed tonight when a drive by shooting claimed the life of an innocent, small child. The shooter(s) fired multiple rounds at the residence. One round struck the small child. The parent of the child rushed him to Minden Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

Further details are not being released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.

If anyone has information regarding this tragic crime please call the Minden Police Department at (318) 371-4226.

It is time for the community to step up and take action. Short staffed MPD Officers patrol high crime areas, but are only as successful as their staffing limitations allow. They need the public to speak out and report these dangerous criminals. They need qualified individuals to fill their ranks.

As others try and minimize the gunfire in this once peaceful community, MPD Officers go from violent call to violent call. They know the seriousness of the pain and suffering these dangerous criminals inflict.

The short staffed Minden Police Department came when called. Every detective employed by the police department went to the multiple crime scenes to ensure the victim received the investigation that he deserved.

Prayers and deepest condolences to the family of the victim.

Again, if you would like to make an anonymous tip, please call the Minden Police Department at (318) 371-4226.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

The City of Minden hosted a well-attended town hall meeting Tuesday that was intended to help citizens see the goal of an ordinance for blighted commercial buildings.

City attorney Jimbo Yocum and Economic Development Director Phillip Smart drafted the ordinance but presented it with the understanding that it is a work in progress.

‘If there is any way, we can keep our businesses full of life, that’s what we want to do,” Yocum said. “This ordinance was done in an effort to cause people to utilize their property. What we don’t want is a vacant structure being empty for years and years and dragging property values down of adjacent properties, leaving our downtown buildings, especially, vacant for sometimes 10 years.”

Yocum said the proposed ordinance has “manageable restrictions and defined expectation of what we as a community expect from our property owners.”

“The ordinance allows us to step in before a property gets to the point of condemnation,” he said. “If the property is grown up and the building is in bad shape, that affects your neighbor’s property value.”

Part of the ordinance requests property owners have $1million worth of insurance, a concern of some persons who say they may not be able to afford it.

“We originally had it at $100,000, but Councilwoman (Terika) Walker wanted it changed to $1 million,” Yocum said.

The proposed ordinance focuses on buildings that have been vacant for more than a year and have owners that may not live near Minden, thus, ignoring upkeep. It does not apply to residential buildings – only commercial, Yocum stressed.

“If the building has been damaged by a tornado or something, there are provisions in this ordinance that provide for that,” Yocum said. “If you are making a good faith effort, and the property is listed at a fair market price, then all that’s taken into account.”

Yocum said there will be steps taken to notify the property owner if the building is under scrutiny. Owners will receive a letter giving them 30 days to bring the property up to speed or contact the city with a game plan. A second letter will be sent explaining the ordinance and penalties.

“For every 30 days that you are in noncompliance, you will be issued a citation for $300 plus court costs,” he said. “That occurs every month. It becomes a very good motivator.”

Resident Kevin Mixon said he believes the ordinance will take Minden in the right direction, a place it hasn’t been in a while.

“I’m thinking about the Pizza Hut and taco buildings (Homer Road),” Mixon said. “Is anyone showing these buildings?

Smart said he has shown many of the vacant buildings to businesses that would like to come to Minden.

“But the owners don’t know how much they want for them,” he said. “Or they want too much.”

When questioned about the citations and penalties in the ordinance, Yocum said it is simple.

“This,” he said as he held up a copy of the proposed ordinance, “gives it teeth. If you don’t have penalties or restrictions, the property owner doesn’t have to do anything. He can leave it just like it is. It has to have teeth if we are going to enforce it.”

Once the council makes revisions, Yocum said the ordinance will be made available to the public before the final vote takes place.

The Minden City Council will vote on the ordinance, and Minden Planning Commission/Zoning Board will oversee it, talking with property owners on a case-by-case basis. The commission has a representative from each district, Sarah Haynes, Jo Ann McWoodson, Michael Davis, Morris Busby and Steve Wilson.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A local man has been charged with stealing his friend’s firearm.

Ryan Bernard Jones, 28, of the 500 block of Joel St., was arrested by Minden Police after a friend reported her firearm stolen.

Chief Steve Cropper said the woman reported Jones was the only person with her when the Rugar LCP II .380 was stolen.

“A witness saw Jones with a firearm matching the stolen one,” Cropper said. “When the victim confronted Jones about stealing the gun, he denied it. He said he returned a jersey he had borrowed but denied knowledge of the gun.”

Lt. Chris Hammontree made contact with Jones as he was leaving the backyard of the residence.

“His mother came outside and consented to a search of the backyard,” Cropper said. “While back there, officers found an old truck with a strong odor of Marijuana nearby.”

Lt. Hammontree reportedly looked through a broken window and observed a shoe box with a large number of baggies inside. After consent to search was signed and a K9 alert on the vehicle, the officer searched it and reportedly located two large baggies of natural Marijuana totaling 78 grams, two different groups of packaging materials and a Ruger holster identical to the one stolen from the victim.

“Lt. Hammontree contacted Lt. Keith King to assist with the investigation, and a search warrant was obtained for the residence,” Cropper said. “During that search, officers found a pair of shoes matching the shoe box in the truck, 33 grams of natural Marijuana in several different packages and 67.5 grams of synthetic Marijuana, along with more packaging materials.”

Officers also reportedly located .4 grams of a white powder substance that has yet to be identified.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

When you think of a public servant, how often do you think of the City Marshal? Many people don’t know the job of a City Marshal, much less how he helps the community.

Two years ago, Dan Weaver, a retired City of Minden police captain and detective, saw what his good friend Randy Shelley accomplished as City Marshal over the years. That’s when he decided, with Shelley retiring, he would like to take the reins of Ward 1.

“We serve evictions, all civil papers pertaining to Ward 1 in Webster Parish,” Weaver said. “We take care of City Court, which is all misdemeanor charges that come through Minden, Dixie Inn and Dubberly.”

His office also executes bench warrants if a subject is FTA (Failure to Appear) for court.

Ward 1 encompasses a large area, from around four miles south of Cotton Valley, across to Claiborne, Bienville and Bossier parishes.

“We have three full-time and two part-time employees,” he said. “It’s a large area for a few people to cover.”

Since taking office, Weaver has applied a program to serve bench warrants.

“Before we come and try to find you, we send you a courtesy notice to let you know you do have a warrant,” he said. “Seven days after, just in case maybe you forgot, that’s when we start looking for you.”

There are around 2,000 persons with warrants dating back to 2010 just from Minden Police alone. Weaver said he has been “shocked” at how many FTA’s have called or gone online to settle.

In order to give his office more visibility, Weaver has purchased uniforms and cars for his employees to use on the job.

The City Marshal’s office is funded by the City of Minden and Webster Parish Police Jury. He said the return on the investment for fuel, mailings, uniforms and cars has been good for the city, Weaver said.

“I work for the people of Ward 1,” Weaver said. “Any questions pertaining to my office, I am available. If you call the office, my cell number is available, and I will answer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I feel like the marshal should work for the people and be accessible.”

One of Weaver’s other employees, Deputy Marshal Tina Douglas, was also a MPD police officer and Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy.

She serves warrants and makes arrests as Weaver and the other deputy marshals. Her past experience in law enforcement is a benefit in this job.

“It helps me when I get ready to approach a house – some of the skills we’ve learned,” Douglas said. “You don’t just get out without inspecting your surroundings. Just knowing what to look for when you go to the house.”

All the deputy marshals and their boss carry radios, wear vests and have handcuffs.

“He (Weaver) has given us the tools we need, so when we go out, we can get it done,” she said. “He’s real accessible. We have our cell phones and can call if we are unsure if we even have the right house.”

Other dedicated employees of the Marshal’s Office include Joe Cornelius, Cynthia Smith-Hawkins and Billy Joe Hawkins.

To reach any of them, call 318-371-4210.

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By Josh Beavers

School bells will be ringing very soon, and the Webster Parish school system is helping parents ease any pinch on the pocketbook that may come with getting back to learning.

The annual “Pack the Bus” event will be held Friday and Saturday at the Minden and Springhill Walmart locations. As part of the event, the community is encouraged to donate school supplies whether by bringing them to the bus or going inside the store and purchasing them. Supplies can then be donated in an effort to “pack the bus” which will be stationed in the Walmart parking lot.

The bus will be open at both Minden and Springhill locations from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. This event will be followed by the annual “Back to School Bash” slated for August 9 at the Harper Center for Excellence. More information about that event will be coming in next week’s updates of the Webster Parish Journal.

This is the 13th year of the “Pack the Bus” event, and the support from the local community has been overwhelming, says Webster Parish Safe Schools Coordinator Ursula Hullaby.

“This is an important part of the school year,” Hullaby told The Journal. “I want to thank our sponsors and encourage the community to help us ‘Pack the Bus’.”

Premium Premium Sponsors making donations of $1,000

• Gary and Sarah Haynes
• Saint Rest Baptist Church – Minden

Premium Sponsors $601.00 up

• Valley Peace Church Cotton Valley, La
• Sneed ’em Chili Dogs

Platinum Sponsors $450-$500

• Walmart – Minden
• Kevin and Debbie Washington
• McDonald’s – Minden
• Minden Family Dental
• Barksdale Federal Credit Union
• B1 Bank
• James C. Rhymes Foundation

Silver Sponsors $200-$350

• Kenneth and Sharon Duncan
• Denise Edwards
• Fleming Group
• Carter Federal Credit Union
• Sheriff Jason Parker
• Living Word Church- Minden
• Horseshoe Dental
• Dale and Crevonne Odom
• Speer Roofing
• Fibrebond
• Lynda Carmouche Psychotherapy
• New Direction Church of Cotton Valley
• Premier Family Clinic, LLC
• Andre and Teresa Washington
• New Bethel AME Church Springhill, Louisiana

Bronze Sponsors $100-$150

• Jonathan and Latisher Ward
• Linda Hudson
• Minden Police Association
• Mark and Becki Brown
• McInnins Insurance
• Cory and Melanie Lewing
• Mike’s Spirits
• Minden Floral
• Storage Solutions – Germantown Storage
• Rocketfast
• Harper Motors
• Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ferguson

Patrons

• Ricky and Mary Wright
• Carolyn Pickett
• Yolanda Palmer
• Daryl and Oreata Banks
• Colonel & Diane Thompson
• Ad Signs
• Nathan Richardson

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

One more firearm is out of commission with the recent arrest of the man carrying it.

Minden Police Officers arrested LaQuincy Warren, 35, of the 500 block of Cherry St., Minden for possession of a firearm by a felon, resisting an officer, illegal carrying of weapons, possession of drug paraphernalia and on a warrant for aggravated battery.

Police Chief Cropper said Sgt. Mitch Hackett, Lt. Chris Hammontree and Lt. Brandon Curry were dispatched to the 100 block of Abney St. in reference to a disturbance involving a handgun.

“When they arrived, they located Warren, who fit the description of the subject with the gun,”
Cropper said. “Warren turned away from officers and walked off, attempting to stuff something in his backpack. When officers told him to stop, he ran and they pursued on foot.”

Cropper said Lt. Curry located Warren and ordered him to the ground at gunpoint. Lt. Hammontree reported recovered the gun, a JS-9MM.

“Sgt. Hackett put Warren in handcuffs and mirandized him,” said the chief. “During a search of Warren’s person, Sgt. Hackett located multiple 9MM rounds and a meth pipe.”

Warren was booked at Minden PD and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.

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By Josh Beavers

It’s been a busy summer for recent Minden High grads. Shakayla Carter is the latest in a string of former Tide athletes to accept a scholarship to play their sport at the collegiate level.

Shakayla signed with Wiley College of Marshal, Texas, on Tuesday. She will run track for the Wildcats and is interested in majoring in kinesiology. She wants to become an athletic trainer.

“I want to thank my family and coaches,” Shakayla told The Journal. “I couldn’t have gotten here without them. I’m excited about this.”

Shakayla qualified for the state track meet in the 200 meter sprint. Her best time was 24.49. She also ran the 100 meter with a best time of 12.71. At Minden she competed in the 100m and 200m as well as the 100, 200, and 400 meter relays.

She also was a skilled athlete on the basketball court. She was second team All-District and first team All-Area her senior year. She put up 14 points per game, five rebounds per game, and three steals per game last season.

Jacob Brown coached Shakayla in basketball. He said the school was proud of her on and off the court and track. “She’s a great person and athlete,” he told The Journal. “She’s a good role model for all the young athletes at our school.”

In addition to her coaches, Shakayla was joined by her friends, family, and Minden administrators Nathan Richardson and Tia Damond for Tuesday’s signing.

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By Josh Beavers

This is the second in a set of brief looks at Webster Parish’s four high school football teams. The North Webster Knights are looking to bounce back from a tough year full of injuries and heartbreak.

SUMMER WORKOUTS – The Knights had two opportunities to work out Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during the summer. Morning workouts were at 9 a.m. and afternoon workouts were at 5 p.m.

PRESEASON PRACTICES – Begin Monday, August 2. The Knights will have an abbreviated two-a-day work split with special teams work at 9 a.m and full practice at 6 p.m. This schedule will be for the first two days before once a day practice at 6 p.m.

SCRIMMAGE – At Mangham on August 20 at 6 p.m.

JAMBOREE — The Knights will be one of five teams participating in the annual jamboree. The other teams are Lakeside, Minden, Homer, and the host – Haynesville. The event will be held in Haynesville on August 27. Games begin at 7 p.m.

FIRST GAME — At home against Haynesville. September 3 at 7 p.m.

NOTES: Head Coach John Ware said the team can do well this year if the injury bug doesn’t bite once again like it has the past couple of seasons. He told The Journal that the starting lineups are solid but there is a lot of youth backing them up. There is a lot of development that will be necessary as the young players learn and grow in the sport. Ware said the team has numerous senior leaders and mentioned a few by name. “Jamarcus Stevens is one of our best athletes and he will play outside linebacker, running back, and some receiver.” Jaterion Robinson, who is a three-year starter, also plays linebacker and tight end/H-back on offense. Senior lineman Drew Hutchinson and Ty Modisette anchor the offense and will look to open holes for running backs throughout the season. “There’s a lot of questions we’ve got to answer,” Ware said. “It’s hard to tell from one year on to the next how the team will gel together. But if we can all stay healthy, I feel we will be competitive.”

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Robert J. Scott, 30, of New Orleans, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies as a fugitive from New Orleans Police.

Jeremy D. Monistare, 44, of the 1200 block of Shreveport Rd., was arrested by WPSO on three outstanding warrants and as a fugitive from Minden Police

Peggy Hudson, 39, of the 100 block of Shane Dr., Minden, was arrested by WPSO on three outstanding warrants.

Brandy Looney, 43, of Springhill, was arrested by Springhill Police for possession of Sch. II Methamphetamine and rug paraphernalia.

Justin Howard McCaleb, 27, of the 100 block of Katie Lane, Minden, was arrested by Minden PD on outstanding warrants for hit and run and running a stop sign.

Matthew Pyle, 25, of Dixie Inn, was arrested by Dixie Inn police for abuse battery with child endangerment and disturbing the peace.

Desstane Bryant, 32, of Springhill, was arrested by WPSO in Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on a warrant for possession of Sch. II Methamphetamine.

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PART ONE

Marcus Jones joins Billy West Live and discusses his Interim Appointment as President of Northwestern State University.

The interview includes Marcus’ educational background and experiences teaching and in administration of higher education.

Marcus answers questions about his vision for the immediate future of NSU and increasing on-campus enrollment for Students in Natchitoches.

PART TWO

Marcus Jones answers questions related to his commitment to higher education in general and specifically related to keeping NSU competitive in Division 1 Athletics, especially football.

Marcus also discusses the position of permanent President of NSU and whether or not he will be a candidate for that position. Marcus also discusses his views on whether a terminal degree is necessary or required to be the permanent President of NSU.

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The body of an unidentified white male was located yesterday morning by a property owner in the north end of the parish.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said the exact location has not been released, due to an ongoing investigation.
“The body was sent off for an autopsy,” Parker said. Webster Parish Sheriff’s office is handling the investigation.

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John Taylor Ward
July 15, 1935 – July 13, 2021
Visitation:  9:00am, Mansfield Church of Christ on Saturday, July 31, 2021.
Service:  Mansfield Church of Christ on Saturday, July 31, 2021.
Cemetery:  10:00am at Herndon Cemetery in Jonesboro, AR on August 7, 2021.

Patsy M. Greer
January 28, 1943 – July 15, 2021
Service:  5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Legacy Church, 2001 Forest Hills Blvd., Haughton, Louisiana.

Lela Sue Wagnon
August 31, 1941 – July 20, 2021
Visitation:  10:00 a.m., Rose-Neath Southside Funeral Home on Saturday, July 31, 2021
Service:  11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel and .
Cemetery:  A private burial will be held at a later date.

Alamae “Allie” Schultz
May 26, 1934 – July 24, 2021
Services:  Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at West Lake Baptist Church in Doyline, Louisiana

Michael Scott “Scotty” Beshea
July 20, 1967 – July 26, 2021
A graveside service honoring the life of Michael Scott “Scotty” Beshea will be held at a later date in Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City, Louisiana.

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By Josh Beavers

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner announced his bid for reelection during a fundraiser held last week.

Gardner, a republican, has been Minden’s Mayor since 2018 and a member of the Minden business community since 1978. The election will be held in 2022.

“My passion for Minden is monumental,” Gardner told The Journal. “I want to continue the progress we have started, and I want to continue to grow and continue to improve our infrastructure.

He added: “I want to continue to work toward achieving unity in our community so we can all move forward together.”

Gardner outlined improvements in the community under his watch including making City Hall more “Progressive, transparent, and modernized.” His campaign paraphernalia listed accomplishments including new communication methods, economic development initiatives including 21 new businesses, overlays on streets and at the Minden Airport, restoration of Ewell Park, enhancements at the Minden Rec Complex, street light LED conversion, a community cleanup and beautification effort as well as a push for more unity in the community. Upcoming plans he listed include a solar farm and fiber optics. 

Look for more coverage of local political races in the months to come.

Picture above: Minden Mayor Terry Gardner, right, speaks with local businessman James Madden during Gardner’s reelection campaign kickoff event last week. 

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By Josh Beavers

Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School is home to a unique class that was first offered before the Covid pandemic struck. But now the world is returning to “normal,” it is the hope of the course instructor that the Lakeside Drone Class will begin flying high once again.

“The Lakeside drone class is a highly-interactive educational opportunity that teaches students how to safely and effectively operate drones for commercial use,” said Logan Cammack, Lakeside’s American History teacher and drone instructor. “Students are taught aeronautical physics, drone maintenance, airspace, and the operational and safety procedures of airports and pilots.”

Cammack is one of two Lakeside teachers who attended a week-long training in the summer of 2020 where they learned all the safety rules and regulations as well as the ins and outs of flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). They then passed a test with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to instruct others. The test earned them FAA drone licenses.

When asked what he hopes students get out of the class, Cammack said, “This class aims to not only teach students about operating drones but also to open their eyes to career opportunities in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry.”

Cammack said the job market for the skills taught in this class are growing each year. “The military, oil and gas industry, wedding industry, and media outlets (among many others) are looking to hire employees with training and experience flying drones,” he continued. “While in this class students can earn FAA certification to fly drones commercially at the age of 16.”

Cammack said the class is not considered extra-curricular but part of a Jump Start pathway. The Journal has extensively covered the Jump Start initiative launched by the state in previous updates and has more coverage coming in the weeks ahead. As part of this path, students earn high school credit while simultaneously becoming certified to fly drones.

Photo above: Lakeside drone instructor Logan Cammack launches the school’s UAV before a football game last year. The drone class was offered in the spring of 2020, but the Covid pandemic halted its success. 

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

Those interested in a possible ordinance to control vacant business properties can hear and be heard at a City of Minden Town Hall meeting that will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. today (Tuesday, July 27) at the Minden Civic Center.

During a workshop in June, Economic Development Director Phillip Smart proposed a Vacant Structure Ordinance that he hopes will be a positive thing for the city.

“If you have a vacant structure and you’re not doing anything with it, within six months if it’s still vacant, you have to file it with the city and notify them that you have a vacant structure,” Smart said. “You have to have an overall projection of what you are going to do within the next six months.”

Whether the owner inherited from a death in the family and doesn’t yet know what will become of the property, or if they plan to renovate it to lease or sell, the owner will be required to let the city know, he said.

“Basically, it lets us put it on a list that says, ‘OK, this is available,’” Smart said. “Whether it’s for sale or for lease, you tell us all the information. Who it’s listed with, project manager or property manner. So, we have that contact information.”
The owner must also prove insurance on the property – a liability policy, he said, for safety’s sake.

After the six-month period, if the property isn’t sold or rented, a penalty will be assessed.

District A Councilman Wayne Edwards expressed concern about the extensiveness of the proposed ordinance.
“What do you think will be the position of the people who own buildings downtown?” Edwards asked Smart during the workshop. “This (ordinance) is pretty extensive on what has to be done. It’s going to force people to sell their buildings. Is this what we want?”

Smart replied the hope is that owners will upgrade or sell their buildings, so they will no longer be vacant, overgrown and boarded.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

If the Village of Dixie Inn wants grant money for future projects, they will have to come up with some of their own money. That could mean a rather tough decision on the part of local government.

“We’ve applied for a grant for $260,000,” Dixie Inn Alderwoman Donna Hoffoss said. “What we need is a new tank for our sewer system, which is located at the treatment plant.”

Hoffoss said it is money from the federal government that will be doled out through the state. In order to get the grant money, they will have to raise sewer rates.

“The Louisiana Rural Water Association has to do a study on our sewer rates,” Hoffoss said. “They are not going to be able to do that for a while because they have several projects coming up. It might be September before we know anything.”

Hoffoss said water and sewer rates in Dixie Inn were raised in 2019 from $9.50 base to $30 base on 2,000 gallons. She said there are just over 200 meters in the village limits.

Hoffoss also said the LRWA representative wants the village to make a profit of around $1,000 per month.
“Right now, at the end of the year, we will have about $9,000 in reserve,” she said. “That’s at our rates right now.”
The village’s fiscal year runs from July to June, so they are already in the new fiscal year.

Dixie Inn is scheduled to receive $50,000 this year and next year from the American Recovery Act.

“That can be used on roads, water and sewer,” she said. “You can’t just get it and spend it.”
A portion of that money could be used for the new tank, however, grant funding stipulations have changed over the years.

“In the past, they would give you all the grant money you needed to do your project,” Hoffoss said. “Now, the town has to come up with a certain percentage of that money.”

Case in point, one of Dixie Inn’s projects is $256,000.

“We’ve got to come up with $99,000,” she said. “Which we will take out of our general fund.”

Hoffoss said the recent Minden vote to sell alcohol has affected their sales tax revenue stream. In August, they will lose one of the liquor stores that has been one of the larger sales tax contributors.

“It’s (sales tax) down between 10 and 12 percent right now,” she said.

Hoffoss, along with Mayor Kay Hallmark Stratton and her two fellow aldermen Lance Milligan and Judy McKenzie, have been in office since 2016.

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United Christian Assistance Program, 204 Miller St., Minden, has released this week’s needs for the community.
Food: crackers, lunch meat/spam, biscuit mix, cornbread mix
Household Goods: king and queen sheets, towels
UCAP is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for food, utility and rent assistance. They give out clothing on Wednesdays only.
Thanks to the community for your support!

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Caleb Taylor Thompson, 24, of Haughton, was arrested on two counts of contempt of court.

Brenda Wise Lane, no age available, of Homer, was arrested as a fugitive from Claiborne Parish.

Jada M. Spencer, 27, of the 700 block of Jackson St., Minden, was arrested by Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies for simple criminal damage to property, resisting an officer, as a fugitive from Minden Police and two outstanding warrants.

Teresa McCoy, 52, of Jamestown, was arrested for possession of a weapon with controlled danger substances, possession of drug parapheranalia, possession of Sch. I, II and IV.

Tameshia Nicole Patterson, 21, of Homer, was arrested as a fugitive from Claiborne Parish.

LaCarlus D. Fuller, 59, of Millon Fuller Dr., Minden, was arrested on a parole violation.

Howard Stirgus, 33, of Metairie, was arrested at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for introducing contraband into a correctional facility and possession of Sch. I (felony).

Kevin Slaughter, 20, of Alexandria, was arrested at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for introducing contraband into a correctional facility and possession of Sch. I (felony).

Geron Parker, 38, of LaPlace, was arrested at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for introducing contraband into a correctional facility and possession of Sch. I (felony).

Tron Collier, 41, of Metairie, was arrested at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for introducing contraband into a correctional facility and possession of Sch. I (felony).

Eric Chapman, 32, of Sulphur, was arrested at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for introducing contraband into a correctional facility and possession of Sch. I (felony), resisting an officer and obstruction of justice.

Calvin Mitchell, 23, of Baton Rouge, was arrested at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for introducing contraband into a correctional facility and possession of Sch. I (felony).

Tyrie Burton, 29, of Baton Rouge, was arrested at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for introducing contraband into a correctional facility and possession of Sch. I (felony).

Brandon Michael Huey, 28, of the 6100 block of Hwy. 531, Dubberly, was arrested by WPSO deputies for aggravated battery.

Terri Bumgardner, 43, of Jamestown, was arrested by Minden Police for possession of Sch. II Methamphetamine and two counts as a fugitive from Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

A Minden man is behind bars, but it took several law enforcement officers to make his arrest, thanks to the amount of drugs reportedly in his system.

Cecil Anderson, 47, of the 1400 block of Webster Street, was arrested by Minden Police, with the aid of Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies, for obstructing public passages, resisting with force or violence and criminal damage to property.
Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said officers received a call to return to the police department Saturday because Anderson was there, reportedly trying to force his way into dispatch.

“Anderson left the lobby prior to officers arriving,” Cropper said. “Officers located him on Broadway, near the city light department. He was walking in front of vehicles, blocking their passage.”

Sgt. Mitch Hackett, OFC. Jason Smith and Lt. Chris Hammontree followed Anderson as he ran across the parking lot of a local bank.

“Sgt. Hackett cut him off in the parking lot,” Cropper said. “Anderson was yelling about getting a bad batch of Methamphetamine. He was ordered to the ground several times, but he refused, with his fists clenched in agitation.”
Sgt. Hackett reportedly deployed his pepper gun, but two bursts were ineffective.

“Officers chased Anderson across Main Street, causing passage to be blocked as Anderson was almost git by several vehicles,” the chief continued. “They then chased him down Pearl Street to Green Street, west on Green for several blocks to the sheriff’s office.”

Cropper said several deputies were standing outside their office, and Anderson then stopped.

“Once officers caught up with Anderson, they attempted to place him into handcuffs, and he began to actively fight them,” Cropper said. “In his drug induced rage, it took five officers to get Anderson into handcuffs. He was taken back to the police department where he continued to be combative in a holding cell. He punched out the light and ripped the mattress apart.”

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By Bonnie Culverhouse

With the recent death of Ty’quan Morris, reported shootings are on the rise inside the Minden city limits. Since Jan. 1, 2021, there have been a minimum of 85 reports with local police.

However, a shooting does not necessarily mean a person was shot, said Minden Det. Chris Cheatham.
“Most of the shootings are from the same group,” Cheatham said. “And the 85 shots fired is not 85 people being shot. It’s just reported shots fired. It is 85 separate incidents of shootings – but, again, not 85 people being shot.”
In fact, he said those 85 shootings are probably 500 rounds of bullets.

Still, it’s more in the past six months than he remembers in the same time frame since he has been a police officer.
“If someone calls in a ‘shots fired,’ officers go to the area,” Cheatham said. “If they find evidence of shots fired, they generate a report. We’ve had 85 confirmed, where brass shell casings, bullets, damage to property were found.”
A person was shot in very few of the cases, he said. “It’s a lot less than 10 percent. That would be eight people, and we haven’t had eight people shot.”

Most of the shootings have taken place in the same area of town – an area where Chief Steve Cropper has ordered more patrolling for those reasons.

“We’ve got Carolina, Cherry, Joel, Peach, Plum streets,” Cheatham said. “Old projects, new projects.”
Persons who are pulling the triggers were mostly born and reared in Minden, he said, but perhaps more disturbing, the higher percentage are juveniles.

“They have no home training, no father in their house … they weren’t raised right,” Cheatham said. “It starts in the house, and by the time they get to us, it’s too late. They’re in the system; they’re going to jail. If their parents would quit letting them run the streets at two, three or four o’clock in the morning … to be out on the street at those times, you’re up to no good.”

So, where are these young people getting their weapons?

“Laws only affect good people,” the detective continued. “A criminal doesn’t care if it’s legal or illegal to carry concealed. They are stealing these weapons. People leave their cars unlocked.”

Some firearms come from the criminals’ ties to bigger cities.

“They get guns from cousins, friends of other people,” he said.

The number of shootings could be lowered if people would be proactive, Cheatham said.

“Nobody’s doing anything,” he said. “Our biggest problem: people see and hear things out there more than we hear and see, but they have zero regard to help us put these people behind bars.”

More officers on the street would help, too.

“We’re hiring; we’re short plenty of folks,” Cheatham said. “If I can put five men or women on a shift instead of three, that’s five I can have on the streets in the areas. A cop driving up and down the street will deter crime more than no cops in the area.”

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